Category: Water Body Restoration

Creating safe spaces for birds to rest, roost and breed is an important part of conserving the biodiversity of water bodies. With this objective, Ramco Community Services has expanded and strengthened a bird habitat island at Sri Vettai Perumal Kammai, giving local and migratory birds a larger and safer refuge.

The island was originally created a couple of years ago following the restoration of the kanmai. Raised approximately one foot above the water level, it soon began attracting a variety of local and migratory birds, offering them a space to rest, roost and perch away from potential threats.Such islands are particularly valuable during the breeding season. By providing birds with a habitat separated from the shore, they can help protect nests and eggs from predators such as street dogs and other animals.

However, prolonged rainfall during the subsequent rainy season led to waterlogging and increased moisture in the soil. Over time, this caused the soil to compact and settle, resulting in the island surface sinking by approximately two feet and reducing its elevation above the water level.

Taking advantage of the summer months, when there was no water in the kanmai, Ramco Community Services has now undertaken improvement works to restore and further develop the island. It has been expanded in both length and width, creating a larger habitat capable of accommodating more birds.

The island has also been raised to approximately three feet above the water level by adding and compacting soil. In addition, around 15 stone-pitched sections have been created on its upper surface. These stable sections are expected to provide suitable points for birds to perch and rest.

With the increased area, improved elevation and stable perching spaces, the strengthened island will offer better opportunities for birds to rest, roost and potentially nest and breed within the wetland ecosystem.